Becky Lee Women's Support Fund

I found Becky’s Fund through my dancing instructor in Washington, DC. Her sister had gone through a domestic violence case and was also helped by Becky’s Fund. My dance instructor saw how much stress I went through and I opened up to her, explaining how the domestic

Sponsored Content

Volunteering

Promote This Nonprofit

Nonprofit Overview

Mission: Becky’s Fund is a 501c(3) public charity focused on the prevention of domestic violence through youth engagement and providing post-incident support to survivors and their families.
****
While the #metoo and #timesup movements illustrate how common gender-based discrimination and violence is, they also have allowed those who were afraid before to come forward to seek help. What these stories have taught us is that we all share a responsibility in changing the culture that has made these tragic incidents so prevalent. At Becky’s Fund we believe this change starts by teaching our youth how to be more conscious, empathetic, safe, and engaged citizens. We work on preventing the escalation of violence through our youth prevention programs, Men of Code and Becoming Your Own Heroine.

Programs: ****Issue: Domestic Violence is a gendered crime and problem where the majority of perpetrators are men and boys.
Our Solution: Men of Code works with male student athletes and their coaches to transform them into allies and leaders in ending and preventing domestic violence through education, mentorship, and real life skills workshops such as financial literacy, brand development, and public speaking. We have reached over 500 students in our Men of Code program and plan on working with 200 more young men in 2018.
****Issue: 50-80% of teens know a peer who is in a violent relationship and nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their relationship continue to date their abuser.
Our Solution: Supported by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Girl Scouts, Becoming Your Own Heroine trains and educates women aged 9-18 years old on dating violence and expression through music and art, while empowering them to become self-confident and change agents in their own lives and communities. Over the last 7 years of the Becoming Your Own Heroine program, we have reached over 1,000 young girls.
****Issue: The highest rate of dating violence occurs between the ages of 16-24 years old.
Our Solution: National Domestic Violence College Tour has reached over 40 schools and over 10,000 students in the country, teaching both young men and women how to recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship, how to personally become safe from an abusive relationship and how to help a friend get help.
****Issue: 50% of women living in D.C. experience psychological aggression perpetrated by an intimate partner.
Our Solution: While many often blame the victim by asking "why don’t they leave," Becky's Fund instead helps empower these survivors through Survivor Support, assisting them to leave when they are ready and supporting them in areas ranging from extraction, financial literacy, and legal support. Through our Survivor Support, on a monthly basis, we directly work with about 5 clients, adding up to about 60 families a year.

Community Stories

79 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

I found Becky’s Fund through my dancing instructor in Washington, DC. Her sister had gone through a domestic violence case and was also helped by Becky’s Fund. My dance instructor saw how much stress I went through and I opened up to her, explaining how the domestic violence case against my ex-boyfriend was causing me so much stress and anxiety and causing me to lose over 30. It also caused me to perform poorly at my job, and I wasn’t able to get any sleep.
I felt helpless and discouraged. I thought I had done everything in my power to stand up to my abuser and it still didn't seem enough. I was frustrated with my paid attorney who couldn’t even show up to my court proceeding, I was frustrated with an advocate group in Leesburg, Virginia who discouraged me from fighting back in every way, and I was frustrated with a hospital that would not release my records to me or the court so I could use the records as evidence to obtain a protection order against my abuser. I was fighting a huge uphill battle and felt absolutely powerless.
Becky’s Fund contacted me back immediately and helped me through the process financially, emotionally, and legally. They supported me through the the entire journey; they came to court with me, helped me prepare my testimony for trial, and contacted my state prosecutor to assist in my criminal case against my ex-boyfriend. Becky’s Fund helped me regain my rights not only as a woman and victim, but also as a human being. I had lost weight, my job, and my mental health due to all the stress from my abusive ex-boyfriend and dealing with the legal system to find justice. Becky’s Fund gave me hope for the future and the strength to stand up against my abuser. They are also helping me find a new job by helping me strengthen my resume and search for jobs that promise me a better life with benefits and full time pay. I was also able to work with my prosecutor to understand what I wanted to do in terms of getting justice and holding my abuser accountable as well as collect all the evidence such as hospital records that were not released to me nor to police.
Becky’s Fund never gave up on me and was always completely honest with me. If not for Becky’s Fund, I would not be where I am today or even alive. Without having Becky’s Fund by my side, I would not have had the courage to stand up to my abuser as he threatened me and offered me money to drop the criminal case. The entire team worked hard on my case daily and kept the legal system on their feet. I have never met a group of people like this in my life. I was not treated like a victim; I was treated like a human being. Becky’s Fund put an end to the statement, “this is why a woman shouldn’t press charges against her attacker.” They understand that no one deserves to be treated poorly, that everyone should be held accountable for their actions regardless of jurisdiction, gender, age, or culture, and that everyone, including me, deserves to be in a safe and happy relationship. More people need a Becky’s Fund to fight for them.

Share experience with this nonprofit today

As an active member of the DC Community, I first joined Becky’s Fund in efforts to help raise funds and awareness to end Domestic Violence by participating in the Tough Mudder representing the organization. The entire experience was incredibly valuable, from making new connections, to empowering each other to get through one of the most difficult obstacle courses on the planet, which was all to help support such a great cause that really shines a light on how common and prevalent domestic violence is in today’s society. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn about Becky’s Fund, as not more than a year and a half later, I found myself in an unfortunate situation of my own when my home and work life were both compromised. Fortunately for me, in my time of distress, my mother was able to remind me to reach out to Becky’s Fund. I was given the resources to help me relocate to a safe space where my pets and I were not in danger. I was also given a tremendous amount of continuous support and strength to rebuild my life, so I could reunite with my family members as I was no longer able to continue working at my job or live in my home. I don’t know where I would have been without the help and support of this Foundation. I am a Domestic Violence Survivor and proud to be a continued supporter of Becky’s Fund.

I reached out to Becky Lee, founder and executive director of Becky’s Fund, after more than two (2) years of a downward spiral, following my domestic violence incident. I was in Texas, yet despite being on the other side of the country, Becky found a way to meet with me. One day later, she arrived with an SUV full of clothing for me. The packed SUV was followed up by a drop off of multiple bags and boxes of clothing.

Becky intuitively understood, the more I 'feel like me,' the better I feel. She encouraged me to keep eating and practice self-care. She had one of the most respected security risk threat-assessment consultants contact me regarding the safety issues all victims of domestic violence face. To help me deal with the aftermath, Becky assigned two staff, Sarah and Meghana, to help me. Meghana was in charge of ‘all things’ financial: saving, spending, and budgeting. She built a custom-made spreadsheet, based around my personal expenses, for me to track every dollar. Sarah was in charge of the legal aspects and my job search. I hadn’t been receiving any responses after sending out an unbearable number of resumes and cover letters. It was difficult to find and/or maintain a job during my long-term abusive relationship. My time gap was lengthy and needed explanation. Sarah helped me redraft my cover letter. The following day, four staff members of Becky’s Fund, conferenced me in and coached me through explaining the time gap and the domestic violence incident. A brief mock interview, so I was prepared to provide easy answers without expressing too much emotion. The conference call was auspicious. The following day, I received a call from a recruiter I sent my resume and newly ‘carefully crafted’ cover letter to, a few weeks back. She wondered if I was available to start temping tomorrow, for just one or two weeks. It was in my field. It was Sarah’s cover letter that maneuvered me past the gatekeeper. The first day, I impressed my new ‘temporary’ boss so much, he offered to let me use him as a reference. That was a month ago. We haven’t figured out the logistics yet but he wants to keep me. I am now working for a boss who inspires me daily to both become better at what I do and become a better version of myself. I have kept track of my finances, per Meghana’s instructions, and am more than halfway to my financial goal. Halfway home…

In such a short time, I realized, Becky was much different than the other domestic violence advocates I had reached out to for help. Becky truly wants to make a difference. Her work and dedication prove it. But Becky didn’t try to control me, as other advocates had. Control, too similar, to the control my abuser had exerted over me in my long-term abusive relationship. Becky advises and holds you accountable but she places you in control of your own destiny. Becky and her team, in just a few months, had made more of a difference than all the DV advocates had, put together, over more than two years. Becky and her team at Becky’s Fund are brilliant at their respective roles and dedicated - answering emails, calls and texts on the weekend and working tirelessly into the night. They are so supportive; I don’t feel alone anymore. I have a small but powerful village behind me. I haven’t gotten to the other side yet but I know with Becky and her team at Becky’s Fund behind me, I am going to make it. They just don’t fail.

Becky’s reach is long; her resources are widespread; and her heart is all in. I couldn’t begin to articulate my gratitude and appreciation for all they do, continue to do, and who they are. And the intentions Becky has set for herself on who she’s to become. Becky and her team at Becky’s Fund are the true Gladiators in DC.

Please support Becky Lee and Becky’s Fund. You, too, can help her make a difference for victims of Domestic Violence. For more information, her website is here: http://www.beckysfund.org

No words can clearly express the gratitude I have for your charity. In a time when it seemed my world was falling apart, opened doors were quickly closing and my cry for justice from abuse was falling on deaf ears, it was through the recommendation of a friend that I found Becky’s Fund. This still has been the best recommendation I’ve ever received.

As someone who, fortunately, was unfamiliar with domestic violence until it happened to me, I felt misunderstood and was so excited to be able to see and know that there were advocated out there for survivors such as myself. Becky’s Fund showed me that you cannot only survive from domestic violence, but you can thrive! Your organization taught me to thrive in a time when I didn’t think that was possible; to fight through the tough times and help solidify that leaving my abuser was the right thing. Your organization somehow made such an ugly topic, which was swept under the rug by generations past; into a realistic problem that plagues our city. It can happen to even the most unsuspecting people.

While I am happy to say that I am a survivor and continue to thrive it would have been possible without supporters such as Becky’s Fund along the way to validate my self-esteem and guide me in the right direction. I only hope that other will not only survive but also thrive through breaking the cycle of abuse and landing on the solid ground that they do deserve better.

I continue to admire all of the efforts through Becky’s Fund and though there is not a price to put on having even just 5 minutes worth of support from someone who understands first hand I would like to donate to your cause. I hope that my donation would help in making another person’s life better and healthier. I am interested in how I can volunteer with Becky’s Fund because I am very passionate about helping victims of domestic violence, sharing awareness, and fighting this pressing issue.

Becky's Fund helped to assist me with a recent domestic violence situation. They gave me immediate assistance, as it was urgent. Not only did they provide me with invaluable legal information about my case, but they helped me on a psychological level as well. Becky's Fund helped me understand the ripple effect that abuse can have on the victim emotionally, as well as physically. One of their team members even reached out to help me navigate the protective order process and gave me safety tips before, during, and after the order was served. Working with the Becky's Fund helped me regain a sense of control and empowerment during a time that was very scary for me and my family. Their services are so incredibly valuable for those who experience the horrible effects of domestic violence that, unfortunately, are so prevalent in our society.

I can't thank Becky's Fund enough for the all of the help, love, and support they brought back into my life. If you're like I was: Broken. Hurt. Angry. Sad. Know this: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Thank you, Becky's Fund. For everything!!! don't know where I would be without you.

I have been working with Becky Lee for almost two years. Her nonprofit origination is something beyond five stars. I had the pleasure of volunteering with Becky's Fund this past year and was immediately struck by the amazing work that is done. Compromise and commitment, she also offer direct services referrals to current victims and survivors.

I have supported Becky's Fund for years and I cannot express the amount of awareness and resources the organization has provided over the years. Without a voice, this disease would still be hidden behind closed doors and swapped under the rug. Becky has made it her life mission to eradicate this issue once and for all because 'Freedom from Domestic Violence is Our Right'! Thank you, Becky, for all that you've done and bringing this life-threatening issue to the forefront of everyone's attention!

I rarely post online reviews/comments but because the work and cause to end and prevent domestic violence is one that is so important, I wanted to leave this note. Initially, I came across this organization because they assisted and supported someone I personally know. The programs they have, including Men of Code is something real and tangible. Working with athletes to help build them not only physically but as strong exemplary members of the community is something I fully support. Becky and her team actively help survivors of violence through every step of what is often a long process. I have never heard of her ever turning away anyone. Keep up the good work.

My daughter and I have volunteered with Becky's Fund for over 6 years. As a domestic violence survivor it is important for me to provide my daughter with the knowledge and tools to overcome anything. We worked with Becky to develop the Becoming Your Own Heroine program which benefits young girls and teenagers. I also worked directly with Becky as a staff member and witnessed first hand the dedication not only from Becky, but from those inspired by her.

Previous Stories

Having personally witnessed domestic violence, there is nothing more in this world I wish to bestow on my daughter than self-empowerment and self-worth. My daughter, who is ten now, and I have volunteered with Becky's Fund for 2 1/2 years. Becky and her organization have been instrumental in my daughter's growth and understanding. From workshops with the Girl Scouts on self-empowerment and knowing your rights, to Critical Incident Awareness Training teaching her to escape possible life-threatening situations. The events and workshops have been amazing, and I do not know that I would have found alternatives if Becky's Fund did not exist.

I got involved with the Beckysfund in 2009, as a former NFL player that walked in The Walk This Way fashion show. That was my first time ever meeting Becky Lee and I got good energy from her and about her mission. I got more involved because what she's advocating to stop brought memories to me and I've seen the growth of Beckysfund. I've spoken with a mother and son who had to gain courage to leave an abusive situation and to see that they are doing well gives us all a great feeling! I've had the privilege to speak to the athletes who are apart of Men of Code and stressed the point to learn how to conduct themselves in relationships, respect themselves and others, seek help when a problem arise, and strive to active doing something positive in the community. I have been involved with Beckysfund for seven years now and I proud of this small nonprofit grow and make huge positive impacts on young student athletes, those seeking help in abusive relationships and how this organization has gotten great community support so the mission can be carried out. I look forward to this organization's future and being on the Beckysfund Team to do my part to be a mentor.

I have been on the board of this amazing organization for close to 5 years now; aside from working for a cause that's very near and dear to my heart, it is also Becky's unparalleled work ethics, magnanimous and effervescent personality, as well as her steadfast passion that's kept me close by her side for all of these years. Her dedication to the mission of eradicating this global pandemic is bordering sainthood and we are all lucky to have her on our side fighting the good fight and giving voices to those who are too afraid to speak out. Here's to all that you do: Cheers, Becky!!

My interest in Becky's Fund began with being the father of 2 daughters who were starting to seriously date as they got older. I quickly learned that domestic violence can impact both women and men and their families, especially children. I was amazed by the passion of both Becky Lee and the staff of Becky's Fund in their quest to educate the public and prevent domestic violence. My involvement in Men of Code has provided me the opportunity to create a strong mentor relationship with young athletes, to guide them and offer them advice on not only relationship issues but life. It's has been a very rewarding experience for me. Becky's Fund is available 24/7 in working directly with survivors and helping them get safe, find housing, find a lawyer, and get mental support and I have personally witnessed the positive results for victims due the assistance provided by Becky's Fund.

As a small nonprofit, Becky and her team accomplish so much with the support of the community to impact change both from the prevention side with educating youth and directly with survivors. As a Board Member I am proud to continually support Becky and Becky's Fund, as I believe every day they make a difference in this world.

I started volunteering at Becky's Fund with another survivor in 2013 for the Walk This Way event. As a professional in this field I have seen how effective Becky's Fund continues to be with their Men of Code program, creating strong mentorship with the athletes to prevent violence. I have also worked with the nonprofit to help get survivors get safe, find housing, and with mental health assistance. I personally have seen how much Becky's Fund can do with the support of the community to impact change with prevention and education programs.

I really do not know what this nonprofit does that is special. There are other nonprofits in the DC area that do very, very good work in the field of domestic violence, such as the DC Coalition against Domestic Violence, and My Sister's Place. This seems like a simple vanity project, and I believe that we as a community need to stand behind organizations that are helping to provide true support to the community. I understand that there are people who are "passionate" about these topics, and I appreciate that. However, the programs that this non-profit runs seem to be dedicated towards building the personal brand of one individual alone.

NO! You were NOT at the Capitol Hill during the hearing of MY PANEL DISCUSSION ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM.

Ms. Lee and I expressly discussed the lies in this video when I returned from a conference in London in April of 2010, and I was under the impression that this video was deleted from the internet.

When confronted with the lies in this video, Ms. Lee repeatedly apologized for her deceptive conduct (all of which is documented), and she assured me that she would take necessary steps to correct the lies perpetuated in this video, which took advantage of my international policy-related work.

It is an absolute disgrace that Ms. Lee continues to use others to further her attempt at reaching "celebrity" status and climbing social ladders of various kind. http://youtu.be/ES5TaeOk2no

I believe that God works in poignant and telling ways, which is exemplified by my relationship with Becky's Fund and Becky Lee. 4 months ago, I was finally able to end my abusive relationship, during which I lost my identity, was isolated from my friends and family, and suffered physical abuse. Before my relationship, I had had the opportunity to work with Becky’s Fund as a model in their annual charity fashion show as a model. I learned about the organization’s message, to foster awareness about domestic violence and eradicate it from our culture. And while I never realized I was in an abusive relationship as it was unfolding, I was lucky to have a light at the end of my dark tunnel, as I realized I was living with an abuser. As I ended my relationship, and looked for ways to heal and recover, I reached out to Becky, the founder of Becky’s Fund and asked her if I could come in and talk. She has been an amazing friend and mentor, in working with me in my personal journey to rebuild my life, and also helping me to reach others, and use my story to change the perceptions of domestic violence. I am so excited to continue to work with Becky’s Fund and speak to groups of young people, urging them to be more aware of abuse that might creep into their relationships and the relationships of those close to them.

I first was introduced to Becky's Fund while volunteering as a model in their 2009 Walk This Way fashion show. Although I was a victim of abuse as a child and had developed PTSD from the trauma, I had not been able to comprehend the common factors from my past experiences that were related to domestic violence. A few months after being introduced to Becky’s Fund, I found myself trapped in a controlling relationship, which quickly escalated to consist of regular and extreme abuse. After barely surviving 20 months of multiple brutal incidences, I miraculously gained enough strength, through the little bit of hope I had left, to leave the situation no matter what it took.
Despite being completely alone with no support and nowhere to go, the feeling of freedom that I gained for escaping that relationship made it all worthwhile.
This is not to say that everything in my life was suddenly remotely perfect. The reality proved to be quite challenging. Nonetheless, the self-confidence I had obtained through my experience left me knowing I could get through anything life was to put in front of me. This time around, I could feel something was different; I had a choice and had finally gained a voice. Since those events, I have had an immense passion to get involved and reach out to others in similar situations. I recently contacted Becky, the founder of Becky’s Fund, after being reminded through Facebook what this organization is all about. Becky’s immediate response, which showed so much interest, compassion and understanding, is the reason I have come to feel comfortable with speaking out, opening up and sharing my story with others. Thanks to the support of Becky’s Fund, I am now being given the opportunity to learn valuable tools that allow me to share my message in a more efficient manner and, most importantly, to continuously be educated on domestic violence, awareness, and prevention.

Becky's Fund has been such a vital part in the DC Community when it comes to raising awareness for domestic violence. The organization doesnt just focus on working with victims, but rather works proactively in preventing further domestic violence as an issue in our community. I have had the pleasure and honor of attending many of the events and working on fundraisers and have seen just how dedicated the team at Becky's Fund is to each and every single program. I never felt that my time or money was going to be wasted because the organization stays in touch with its followers on keeping them updated with which programs they are funding and how those programs are making a positive impact. Just recently, I participated in the Tough Mudder fundraiser which brought diverse members of the DC Fitness community together to empower several dozen volunteers to raise money while bettering their own personal lives. Also, one program I want to highlight is Becky's Fund Men of Code which is a segment of the organization that works with local DC highschool male athletes and teaching them the importance of healthy relationships.

This organization continually strives to not only spread the message of its cause but to truly embed itself in the community and better it from within.